PRESS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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The City of Orillia encourages residents to take advantage of community trails and parks to stay active this winter.

“Staying active is essential to maintaining our physical and mental health. With the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, it is now more critical than ever to find ways to stay active,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.

“In order to avoid overcrowding and to provide more opportunities for residents of all ages and fitness levels to stay active and enjoy our trail system, we are clearing additional trails that are not normally cleared in the winter. »

Trails

In addition to regularly maintained trails, this winter the Lightfoot Trail along the waterfront at Moose Beach in JB Tudhope Memorial Park and the Terry Fox Circle at Couchiching Beach Park will now be cleared. This is in addition to a number of other sections of trails and loop trails that have been cleared as of 2021, including the loop trails at Foundry Park, Homewood Park, and Walter Henry Park.

For an updated list of cleared trails in Orillia, please visit orillia.ca/trails. Additionally, Scout Valley, a 230-acre naturalized park, is a popular area for snowshoeing and hiking during the winter months.

Outdoor skating rinks

With recent snow accumulation and cold temperatures, Orillia Parks staff are preparing outdoor rinks across the city this week and will prioritize opening based on past usage and conditions.

“Outdoor rinks require a significant amount of snow to create bases, followed by consistent cold weather of -10°C or colder for at least a week. The recent accumulation of snow and falling temperatures provide the right conditions to begin preparing our outdoor rinks,” said Kyle Mitchell, Director of Source Protection and Operations.

“Staff are working diligently to prepare rinks for everyone to enjoy. We ask residents not to use the rinks until they officially open, as early use can compromise the basics. »

Hockey games are prohibited on outdoor rinks when occupied by recreational skaters. Skaters must wear a helmet at all times. For a list of outdoor rink locations and their status, please visit orillia.ca/outdoorrinks.

Tobogganing hills

In addition to trails and outdoor rinks, the city of Orillia has three toboggan hills open for use. They are located at Couchiching Golf Course (370 Peter St. N.), Clayt French Park (114 Atlantis Dr.) and Homewood Park (68 Woodside Dr.).

Although outdoor recreation facilities have no capacity limit at this time, face coverings should be worn when distancing cannot be maintained. Please note that there is a risk of people congregating and spreading COVID-19.

Here are the recommendations from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 when visiting outdoor public spaces:

• If you feel ill or have symptoms (i.e. not visiting the outdoor public space.
• Read all posted signs, including control panels at all entrances, and make sure everyone is self-protecting before entering the space.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least two meters (six feet) from others at all times and especially in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads and scenic viewpoints.
• If physical distancing is difficult to maintain in the outdoor space, wear a face mask.
• Avoid close contact with people outside your household, such as handshakes, hugs, high-fives, or games involving shared objects.
• Wash or sanitize your hands upon arrival.
• Do not share the equipment with people outside your household.

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